Somalia leaders agree to election timetable

BAIDOA, Somalia-Following critical talks in Southwestern Baidoa town, Somali political leaders have agreed on an election timetable on Saturday, Garowe Online reports. 

Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud, Parliament Speaker Mohamed Sheikh Osman Jawari, Prime Minister Omar Abdirashid Ali Sharmarke and leaders of Puntland, Jubaland, Galmudug, and Southwest State have all endorsed the timetable that spans through September for the presidential election. 

Over the course of discussion, political leaders agreed to allot an additional two members for Banadir natives. 

The leaders also discarded the role of politicians in Electoral Implementation Teams (EITs) at federal and regional levels. 

Moreover, technical and implementation details for electoral process have taken a center stage in the political deliberations in Baidoa.  

On June 24, Somalia will review and finalize the lineup of National Traditional Forum (NTF) in the run up to the announcement of technical implementation teams.  

National Leadership Forum (NLF) stressed that politicians are committed to further impetus into the realization of 30 percent of seats reserved for women in both Upper and Lower Houses.  

A series of dates were set for votes by Electoral Colleges, with a vetting and oversight committees to be entrusted to electoral process that will culminate in the election of President by 10 September. 

International diplomats once more reiterated their belief that timetable will be met accordingly.  

On June 24, Somali President who is seeking re-election called on politicians to put aside their egos and unite behind national interests.

GAROWEONLINE